Editors Guild expresses concerns over arrest of journalist in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Editors Guild of India has expressed grave concerns over reports of the arrest of Hyderabad-based journalist Revathi Pogadadanda by the city's cybercrime police early on Wednesday morning.

Revathi was taken from her home, along with her husband, at the crack of dawn, said the Editors Guild in a statement. It is believed that the police action was followed after the publication of a video on her YouTube channel, in which a former criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Some reports also suggested that the video allegedly contained derogatory language and failed to meet journalistic standards.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police apprehended Revathi and also Bandi Sandhya. Police said both were involved in social media trolling and has two cases in Telangana.

A Congress leader lodged a complaint with the police stating that he came across an abusive video while browsing the internet. The video, circulated on X (Twitter) profile @NippuKodi, features a representative from the Pulse TV channel interviewing an unidentified individual in a provocative manner.

During the interview, the individual makes derogatory and abusive remarks against the Chief Minister of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy, clearly indicating a deliberate attempt by the Pulse TV channel to defame and spread false propaganda, said the police.

Furthermore, the said X (Twitter) profile, @NippuKodi, is actively circulating and amplifying the video, making it go viral. Such posts are highly provocative, and their content has the potential to incite divisions within society, which are likely to lead to disturbances in law and order in both Hyderabad city and the state. In the light of these concerns, the victim has lodged a complaint seeking legal action against the offenders, the police added.

Without commenting on the content of the video, the Guild urged the Telangana government to ensure that any action taken against journalists follows due process and upholds the principles of free expression and justice.

The arrest of a journalist - particularly in a pre-dawn operation - raises serious concerns about the use of police force in such matters. The Guild called upon the Telangana government to safeguard Revathi's rights and personal safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, Editors Guild, said at the same time, reminded journalists of the importance of fairness and responsibility in their reportage, ensuring that news is presented accurately and without malice. A free and responsible press is essential to a vibrant democracy, it added.